seem lacking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seem lacking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that appears to be deficient or insufficient in some way. Example: "The report seems lacking in detail, which makes it difficult to draw any conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"They seem lacking in enthusiasm.

The Guardian - Sport

Assange's social skills could seem lacking.

The Guardian

Gloss can seem lacking in courage and refinement.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Indeed, the near hysteria and anguish that occupy this music seem lacking from his vocabulary.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet there are places where Mr. Wainwright's compositional skills seem lacking.

The New York Times - Arts

But gay people, and others not in traditional relationships, seem lacking in the Mail's estimation.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

These arguments as sound as they seem, lack the rational basis which constitutes the most objective criteria for water allocation to consumers.

Applied Water Science

But today it seems lacking in ambition.

The Economist

It seems lacking in dignity — diminishing, somehow.

The New Yorker

Still, these days his imagination seems lacking.

The New York Times

The neighborhood seemed lacking in shops and services.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seem lacking", ensure that the subject of the sentence is clearly defined. This helps avoid ambiguity and makes your writing more precise. For example, instead of saying "The presentation seems lacking", specify what aspect of the presentation is insufficient: "The presentation seems lacking in supporting data."

Common error

Avoid using "seem lacking" too frequently in a single piece of writing, especially when expressing negative opinions. Overuse can make your writing sound overly critical or judgmental. Balance it with more constructive and specific feedback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seem lacking" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a subjective assessment of deficiency or insufficiency. It connects a subject with a perceived quality of being incomplete. Ludwig confirms its usability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seem lacking" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express that something appears to be deficient or insufficient. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific writing. While offering a neutral register, it's important to avoid overuse to prevent a critical tone. Consider using alternatives like "appear insufficient" or "come across as inadequate" for nuanced expressions. Remember to define the subject clearly to enhance precision and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appear insufficient

Focuses on the inadequacy or insufficiency of something in a more direct manner.

appear deficient

Highlights a clear absence or shortage of a required element.

come across as inadequate

Emphasizes the impression or perception of inadequacy.

feel inadequate

Expresses a subjective feeling of being insufficient or not up to par.

strike as deficient

Indicates an immediate impression of something being incomplete or flawed.

give the impression of inadequacy

Highlights the superficial appearance rather than an actual fact.

seem to fall short

Focuses on the failure to meet a particular standard or expectation.

look to be wanting

Indicates a need for something that is absent or missing.

appear to be missing

Focuses on the absence of a specific component or quality.

lack something

Simply states that something is missing, without necessarily implying a negative judgment.

FAQs

How can I use "seem lacking" in a sentence?

You can use "seem lacking" to express that something appears to be missing or insufficient. For example, "The plan "seems lacking" in detail" or "His enthusiasm "seems lacking" today".

What can I say instead of "seem lacking"?

You can use alternatives like "appear insufficient", "appear deficient", or "come across as inadequate" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "seems to lack" or "seem lacking"?

Both "seems to lack" and "seem lacking" are grammatically correct, but "seem lacking" is often more concise and direct. The choice depends on the desired emphasis and flow of the sentence.

What does it mean when something "seems lacking"?

When something ""seems lacking"", it suggests that based on available information or observation, it appears to be deficient, incomplete, or insufficient in some aspect. It implies a perceived absence or shortage.